Japan to deploy F-35B stealth fighters from 2024 to step up defence of East China Sea islands

• Local media reports say the airfield is some 1,030km northeast of the disputed Diaoyu Islands that are claimed by China but controlled by Japan
• The first squadron for the F-35B – each of which costs US$117 million – will comprise 18 fighters, with Japan scheduled to buy a total of 42 jets